"Planet Earth" is the 32nd studio album by the American musician Prince. Released on July 24, 2007, by NPG Records and distributed by Columbia Records in the United States.
Prince wrote and published all of the songs on the album. The album features contributions from his newest protegée Bria Valente and former New Power Generation members Marva King, Sonny T., and Michael Bland, as well as Sheila E. and former Revolution members Wendy & Lisa.
Musically, "Planet Earth" encompasses a range of styles from funk and R&B to rock and pop, showcasing Prince's versatility and creativity. Notable songs from the album include "Guitar," "Chelsea Rodgers," and "Future Baby Mama," which earned Prince his latest Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2008.
There was a unique promotion deal with the UK's Mail on Sunday newspaper, where 2.8 million copies of the album were given away for free, a strategy that generated quite a bit of controversy at the time. Despite this, the album reached number three on the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold. Meanwhile, in the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard 200.
Historically, "Planet Earth" is seen as one of Prince's attempts to reclaim his prominent status in the music world, demonstrating his continued ability to produce high-quality, innovative music. As with most Prince albums, it received a mixed critical response, with some praising the music while others found it less impressive than his earlier work. Still, its optimism, creativity, and musicianship showcase Prince's unwavering dedication to his craft.
